Hong Kong

The City of Light and Life

Hong Kong is one of the busiest and liveliest places in Asia and perhaps in the world. The lights, sounds and its bustling metropolis is home to about 7.5 million people wherein 95% is of Chinese descent. Both Chinese and English are official languages so tourists will find no difficulty in exploring the streets and experiencing the greatness of Hong Kong.

But aside from this, Hong Kong also became one of the prominent places for international trading. It has a sturdy and big manufacturing base and it houses many international financial centers; the island itself is even considered as the world’s biggest financial center.

Things You Should Know

The island is of subtropical climate wherein during Spring from March to mid of May, Summer starts from late of May to mid of September, Autumn runs from September to early December while Winter is from late of December to February. When you visit these months, bring appropriate clothing to make your sight-seeing and adventure comfortable and relaxing.

However, you must also know Hong Kong’s entry regulations like a valid passport properly endorsed for Hong Kong. Although citizens of countries like Japan, U.S.A., some nations in South America and Western Europe and are allowed a visa-free visits for one-month. While a 3-month visa-free for another 23 countries including all Commonwealth countries. Some nationalities also can enjoy a visa-free status for the period of 7 days to six months thus you better check your embassy.

More so, Hong Kong is strict with the health regulations. So, avail certificates for booster shots for cholera, yellow fever and typhoid. Also, prepare Hong Kong dollar (HK$) or change your foreign currencies and traveler’s checks in reputable money changers, bank or in your hotel.

Transportation and Accommodation

Going to your hotel from Hong Kong International Airport is just a mere 40 minutes or so while approximately 50 minutes travel via Cross-Harbour Tunnel. But in case you lost your way, helpful HK policemen will assist you especially that Hong Kong is commonly regarded as a safe place any time of day.

So depending on your budget, you can choose hotels with rates ranging from HK$ 350 to around HK$ 1,000 like Butterfly on Prat, The Bauhinia Hotel, Metropark Hotel Kowloon, Butterfly on Wellington, Cosmopolitan Hotel, and many others. While more luxurious hotels from HK$ 1,000++ like The Mira Hong Kong, Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon, Regal Kowloon Hotel, Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers, Prince Hong Kong Hotel and many others.

What to See and Visit in Hong Kong

When you explore Hong Kong, there are choices for transportation like taxis, maxicabs, trains, ferries, trams, car-for-hire, or even the traditional rickshaws; and go to popular attractions in HK island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

For a little history and novelty, the Western Market has fabric, crafts and arts in this Edwardian-style building that was built in 1906. You can also visit and experience Ocean Park with its remarkable Ocean Express. But for the young, hip and adventurous, you can go to Lan Kwai Fong. It is where the clubs, restaurants and bars are located. While for an international experience, visit SoHo along Hollywood Road. It is where you will find the longest covered elevator that was even recognized by the Guinness World Records.

For the budget conscious and bargain hunters, it is worth the trip going to Stanley Market while frolic in the sun and sand in Stanley Beach. Repulse Bay, on the other hand, is for the high-end market and it is where you will find designer shops, fine dining and luxurious restaurants.

Besides Hong Kong Disneyland, you may also want to visit the Giant Buddha atop Ngong Ping plateau; or a quick trip to Po Lin Monastery for the outdoor copy of the Heart Sutra, one of the world’s well-known and revered prayers by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists or go to Tai O Fishing Village and Stilt-house. It is a haven for photographers because of its traditional stilt houses, manually-operated drawbridge spans and many others.

HK Gourmet Delights and Local Delicacies

Hong Kong offers wide array of local and international cuisines. Traditional tea house called Cha Chaan Teng offers variety of congees, rice dishes, noodles, Chinese BBQ, hotpot and of course dim sum that could include a variety of fried, steamed, or baked dumplings, pastries and buns.

However, try the popular Dim Sum Har Gau, Siu Mai, Pai Gwat, Ngau Yuk Mai, Cha Siu Bau, and Chun Guen. With the delectable food choices and superb sight-seeing experience, Hong Kong is the place to be.

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